R.Varunkumar Rethinam, v. The Regional Passport Officer,

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 03.12.2025

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE R.VIJAYAKUMAR W.P.(MD)No.33062 of 2025 R.Varunkumar Rethinam

...Petitioner

Vs

1. The Regional Passport Officer, Regional Passport Office, Bharathi Ulaaveethi, Race Course Road, Madurai - 625 002.

2. The Inspector of Police, S.P.Pattinam Police Station, Ramanathapuram District.

...Respondents

PRAYER: Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the 1st respondent to consider petitioner's representation dated 07.10.2025 and renew the petitioner's passport for the regular period, within a time frame that may be fixed by this court. For Petitioner : M/s.G.Marichamy For Respondents : Mr.M.Kannan Central Government Standing Counsel for R1 Mr.S.Prakash Government Advocate(crl.side)for R2 * * * * * 1/4

ORDER

The present writ petition has been filed seeking a mandamus as against the first respondent to renew the passport of the petitioner based upon his representation dated 07.10.2025.

2. It could be seen from the records that the present passport of the writ petitioner is about to expire only on 05.02.2027. However, the learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that his employer in China is insisting for 10 years tenure passport. Therefore, he has made a request to the first respondent for renewal of the passport for further period of 10 years. Since there is no response, the present writ petition has been filed.

3. The learned Government Advocate(crl.side) appearing for the second respondent submits that a criminal case is pending in Cr.No.108 of 2023 as against the writ petitioner on the file of the S.P.Pattinam Police Station. So far, charge sheet has not been filed.

4. This Court in a judgment reported in 2014 (8) MLJ 61 has held that mere pendency of FIR is not a ground for rejecting the request for fresh passport or renewal of the passport.

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5. In view of the above said facts, the first respondent is directed to consider the request of the petitioner for renewal of the passport and pass orders within a period of four weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. No costs.

6. With the above said observations, this writ petition stands disposed of. No costs.

03.12.2025 NCC : Yes/No Index : Yes/No Internet: Yes/No RJR To

1. The Regional Passport Officer, Regional Passport Office, Bharathi Ulaaveethi, Race Course Road, Madurai - 625 002.

2. The Inspector of Police, S.P.Pattinam Police Station, Ramanathapuram District.

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R.VIJAYAKUMAR , J.

RJR W.P.(MD)No.33062 of 2025 03.12.2025 4/4